My benchwork is 1/2" plywood with homosote on top of that. I am using atlas track. What are the pros and cons of putting down Woodland Scenics Vinylbed or Roadbed under the track? Thanks

There aren't any real cons, aside from the fact that you'll likely want to ballast the roadbed once you have it down, and that can take a bit of time (but the results are worth it). Roadbed, regardless of what it is made of, will give you a more realistic appearing slope along the sides of your track and it will help to deaden noise a bit more.

What scares me is that I find myself agreeing with Allan approx 90% of the time. I'm currently building a layout using Atlas track, Ross switches, and Woodland Scenics vinyl roadbed. The difference in noise level is noticeable just by rolling cars from a section mounted on vinylbed to a section not mounted on vinylbed. Not to mention the nicer appearance. BTW my layout is also on top of Homosote, which is on top of 3/8 plywood.
Phil

I use 1/2 inch thick black foam under my tracks,(like the black foam that you use to insulate around a window air conditioner. I have been very pleased with the noise reduction, I just use a thin bead of foam glue to secure the foam to the felt underneath the foam, and another thin bead to secure the outer edges of the Fastrack to the foam. NO TRACK SCREWS NEEDED! The Woodland Scenics roadbed/trackbed is very similar and seems to work well for everyone who uses it. I was able to get a large quantity of foam sheets approx. 10" x 15" and also 2" x 4' strips free, the 2" wide strips doubled up works great around curves and the sheets easily cut for straights and switches. I like to leave approx 3/8" to 1/2" overlap past the edges of the Fastrack for stability. I think you should consider the Woodland Scenics product, I think you'll like it.
Sincerely, Gary Phillips

I've used the Woodland Scenics Foam product under Atlas track. Worked well. It was MUCH cheaper than the stuff called vinalbed. Didn't need to glue it down because the track once screwed down held it in place.

This stuff has to be covered in ballast. This alone is time consuming-made me want to use fast-track at some point. You will use allot more ballast and glue than you think you will. Other than that nothing to worry about.

Be sure to get the sheet material for underneath switches. This is also sold by woodland scenics.

I, too, have used the Woodland Scenics foam roadbed product in the past, under Atlas track. I was very satisfied with the results because the foam roadbed itself was much easier to lay in place (and reposition, if necessary) than cork roadbed. Of course, ballast is what adds the final touch as far as realistic appearance is concerned, but that's the case no matter what type of roadbed you decide to use.

I'm using Flexxbed due to I don't want to ballest because my layout will be up for a short time. I'm in the process of installing right now and it curves great in one piece.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PRRfan,

Andy Where did you get the Vinylbed?
Thanks greg

Greg,
I am not sure if this is what Andy used but I used this and was very happy with it. It is easy to work with and does a great job with limiting vibration and sound.


http://www.sceneryexpress.com/...fo.asp?number=WD1476

Andy
How long have you had that Vinylbed?
It is the original type that I used in 1998.
VinylBed is no longer available, it has been replaced by a product called Flexxbed.
The FLEXXBED is reported to be more sound absorbent and easier to curve

Sorry guys, my mistake; it's Felexxbed. I wanted Vinylbed, but as Charlie mentioned it is discountined. BTW, I painted my Flexxbed.